Dubai Launches Creators HQ to Attract Global Talent
Dubai has introduced Creators HQ, a new initiative designed to draw content creators and creative professionals from around the world to the UAE. This program offers eligible individuals the opportunity to secure a 10-year Golden Visa, granting long-term residency in the country. This means successful applicants can live and work in the UAE without the necessity of a local sponsor.
What is Creators HQ?
Creators HQ was unveiled in January 2025 during the 1 Billion Followers Summit, a prominent global gathering for content creators. Situated at Emirates Towers in Dubai, the initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to creators. This includes dedicated facilities, various programs, assistance with Golden Visa applications, relocation support, and guidance for company setup. At its launch, Dubai also announced a substantial AED150 million Content Creators Support Fund, with the goal of attracting 10,000 content creators and influencers to the UAE.
Who Qualifies for the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa, facilitated by Creators HQ, is open to individuals engaged in content creation and various creative industries. This broad category includes:
- Social media influencers
- Digital content creators
- Filmmakers
- Photographers
- Writers and authors
- Podcasters
- Video producers
- Creative entrepreneurs
- Other professionals within the content creation and creative sectors
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To qualify for the Golden Visa through Creators HQ, applicants typically need to demonstrate one or more of the following:
Proven Creative Track Record: Candidates should present evidence of impactful content creation or creative work in their field. This can encompass published content, creative projects, professional portfolios, established digital platforms, or successful campaigns and productions.
Industry Recognition: Applicants who have received awards, certifications, or notable achievements within their industry will strengthen their application.
Contribution to the Creative Economy: Individuals should be able to show their potential to add value and contribute to the UAE's expanding creative ecosystem.
Consistent Audience Growth and Engagement: Content creators may also be evaluated on their audience reach, engagement levels, and growth over time. While Creators HQ has not specified minimum follower counts, applicants are expected to demonstrate significant impact within their specific niche or industry.
Application Process for the Golden Visa
The application for the Golden Visa is primarily an online process. Here are the steps involved:
- Create a Creators HQ Account: Visit creatorshq.com and select 'Apply now'. Applicants can choose between a free basic membership or a paid membership, which offers enhanced access to Creators HQ facilities and services.
- Submit the Application: Navigate to the Golden Visa services page (creatorshq.com/services/golden-visa/) and click 'Apply now' to complete the application form. This will require providing details on your professional background, content portfolio, creative achievements, industry recognition, and audience reach and engagement. The review process by the Creators HQ team can take between four to 10 weeks.
- Receive Nomination Approval: If approved, applicants will receive an email confirming their eligibility for the Golden Visa, along with instructions for the subsequent immigration procedures.
- Complete Medical Test: On the same day, applicants can visit the Index Tower Smart Salem Centre in DIFC for a medical examination. Required documents include the original passport, Emirates ID (if applicable), and a personal photo with a white background.
- Print Golden Visa: After the medical test, applicants can proceed to the ‘Services 1’ centre in Jumeirah Emirates Towers to process and print their Golden Visa. Any existing residence visa must be cancelled prior to this step. If on an employment visa, the employer handles cancellation. For family visas, cancellation can be done via a registered typing centre or online through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai (for Dubai-issued visas) or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) website (for visas issued in other emirates).
- Issue Emirates ID: Once the visa is issued, the Emirates ID will be processed. An SMS notification will inform the applicant when the ID is ready for collection from an ICP customer happiness centre.
Source: UAE Golden Visa for content creators: Who can apply, eligibility rules and how to get it